Chernobyl Werewolf (Team Greywolf 3)

“Oh? And what is that?”

“Actually, this is going to sound even crazier.”

Great. Now she was about to tell him, she wanted to travel to Mars and return in twenty years. “What?”

“I know Howard still practices medicine, but not sure where. I’m guessing some secret government operation.” She winked as if knowing he was in on her father’s secret. “Anyway, I thought it would be cool to practice medicine together.”

Poor Rachel, still missing the father she never got to know. Howard didn’t want her near werewolves. If she joined their lycan society, she’d be sworn to secrecy and never return to her normal life. She’d need to accept their strict status quo. Howard would never leave their society, not even for his daughter. He devoted his life to studying werewolf medicine and Luponomics, the genetics of werewolves. Then there was Howard’s great love, beta and fellow scientist, Selene. If Rachel ever joins them, it will be as my mate. Not such a bad idea. Yet, how could he betray the man who saved his life? His inner wolf growled. Take her. Lev downed his glass of champagne. I must leave. “Tell me, how does a lovely lady such as yourself remain single?”

“I came close to marriage, but I’m afraid my work came first.”

“His loss.”

“What about you, do you have a lady back in Russia?”

“I moved to the states, and no, I left no lady.” He detected a whispered sigh of relief. What was wrong with him? He should not lead her on. It was bad enough he used his Russian intelligence friends to find her. If Rylee found out, she might send the pack after him. Let her try. He had told her, he would serve in Team Greywolf on a contractual basis. He needed his independence.

He could take Rachel to Russia. Somewhere, they

’d never find them. Yet, he would not let his wolf dishonor the man who saved his life.

Lev signaled the waiter who stopped taking an order. “Yes, sir.”

“Bring me a vodka.”

“Yes, of course.” He dashed to the bar.

Rachel shook her head. “He obeys you as if you’re the only customer.”

“I will tip him well.”

“I doubt the other customers feel that way.”

The waiter returned with the vodka.

“Rachel, would you like wine for dinner?”

“Red would suit.”

“Bring me your best cabernet.”

“Yes, sir.”

Lev smiled at the servers. “At last, dinner.”

Rachel nervously glanced around. At least the other customers no longer acted displeased Lev got preferential treatment. Was he an ambassador or a more important person than your run of the mill security business executive or, as she imagined, a master spy? No. Something about Lev’s aura demanded instant obedience. Was it his deep commanding voice, or the look of his smoldering blue eyes? Whatever his mesmerism, she too fell prey to it. Warm heat gathered between her legs. If he asked to have sex with her, right now, on the table, in front of the entire restaurant, dang it, she would. Okay, too much alcohol on an empty stomach. She sipped the wine and like with the champagne, she let him drink first. Of course, the waiter poured his glass first, old-fashion tradition. Nonetheless, she waited for Lev’s approving nod. Of all the people in the world, Rachel never asked permission. But with him, she wanted to. She took a whiff of the aromatic fish and forked a flake.

Lev gently grabbed her wrist. “Allow me to take the first bite.” He bit off a piece of the roll. “Now you.”

“What was that about?”

“Old family custom. Man takes first bite.”

The way he said “bite” with a deep mysterious vampire vibe, sent gooseflesh up her arms. Still, that sexy tone won’t work on me, comrade. “No offense, but that’s a bit sexist for my taste.”

He laughed. “I think it dates back to when the czars of Russia had food tasters to assure no poison.”

She gave him a bemused smile. “I’m pretty sure the roll you just ate is not poisoned.”